Bridge saddle filing.

[Sinmastah]

Hey, I just got a tone pros AVR bridge. The saddles on it aren't filed. What kind of tool should I use to do this, and any tips?

 

[dennistruckdriver]

Use a file.
Be careful.

 

[Sinmastah]

Hah, thanks Dennis. Anything specific though? Small file? How big should I make the indents.

 

[dennistruckdriver]

Be VERY careful.
Use small files; preferably triangular; measure twice, file once.
Those saddles are very hard, so you will need some GOOD files!

 

[Sinmastah]

Sure

I just don't have these tools at college with me, so that is why I want to get specifics for when I do this.

 

[Lance_S]

Sinmastah,

My luthier told me that he preferred to use files specifically designed for the proper diameter of each string. In other words, he had 6 files, one for each diameter of the string. This made a lot of sense to me. If there is a qualified tech locally, I would suggest dropping your LP off there and let them notch it for you. You can ask them about using different files at the same time. That way you can be assured they won't F it up and wipe out your new saddles. Just a thought, good luck.

 

[captainbraindamage]

I have heard if you don't know what you are doing you can do more harm than good, meaning myself. As in the sustain will go in the toilet.

 

[dennistruckdriver]

Hey, Sin! Don't have CBD do it! He'll mess it up!!!

 

[Sinmastah]

Who CBD? Also not sure what to do at this point. Hmmmm. I will look into this.

 

[monroe]

Get it wrong, and you'll be breaking a lot of strings.

 

[captainbraindamage]

Hey, Sin! Don't have CBD do it! He'll mess it up!!!

I know my limitations If I forget I am reminded. Last time I was reminded, if you're at a kegger and they start passing around the Wild Turkey, hhmmm ok. When the Turkey is gone and they start passing around the Tawaka, you will be reminded this is a no no, later on that night.

 

[The Stumble]

why dont you do it how i saw a man at gibson doing?

basically i watched him get an old string and lay it across the saddle and then he hit it with a rubber mallet to force the string to create an indentation on the saddle

seriously thats how he did it............

all joking aside go careful with the files

 

[Sinmastah]

I was going to say, interesting method, might word

I think when I go home I will be able to do this. My dad has a few files.

How deep should I make it? Also how do I make sure there are no sharp end left over that could cut strings.

 

[Lance_S]

I was going to say, interesting method, might word

I think when I go home I will be able to do this. My dad has a few files.

How deep should I make it? Also how do I make sure there are no sharp end left over that could cut strings.

No offense intended Sin but if you're asking what type of files to use and how deep to go I would bring it in. Round files are actually best because they don't leave extremely sharp edges for you to snap your strings on. But you can't start out with a round file or it will "walk" across the top of your saddle. You can take a small edge punch and make a small starter notch or "V" in the saddle, then go to a round file. But again, the best way is to have 6 different size files to match your strings, not just a couple random V type files you dad might have on hand. The whole idea of laying a string on the saddle and banging it with a malet is a terrible idea, even if it was done at Gibson.

The depth just has to be deep enough so that the strings don't jump out of the grooves when it's strumed hard. That is usually less than half the string diameter. If you go too deep you will then be dropping the string height in the bridge, which, unless is equal to the rest of the strings, will make your string height inconsistent to the rest of the strings. It will also increase your tendency to buzz on the string that is too low in the saddle. At that point, to get the buzz out you will have to raise the whole bridge, now your action is higher than you might want it.

Give it to someone qualified, you will be happier in the long run.

All the best.

 

[RjC Guitar]

I was going to say, interesting method, might word

I think when I go home I will be able to do this. My dad has a few files.

How deep should I make it? Also how do I make sure there are no sharp end left over that could cut strings.

Hey!

I am about 30 miles north of you and do this for a living, if you want to come up I will do it for you no charge since were both members here. I have the correct files and have done many of these!

Let me know!

Here: Guitar-Stringed Instrument Repair-Luthier Service


-Rj

 

[Sinmastah]

Hey thanks bro, but unfortunately the bridge doesn't even fit on my guitar. I heard that it would work for metric, but apparently it doesn't. Thanks again for the offer though.